Monaghan has been found to be the cheapest county in Ireland with regard to childcare costs.

According to a nationwide survey carried out by Newstalk 106-108fm, creches in the region are charging an average of 138 euros a week per child, which is below the national average of 162 euros a week paid by Irish parents.

A total of 130 creches were surveyed as part of the study - and it was discovered that the typical weekly charge of 222 euros in Dublin means the annual difference in costs between the most and least expensive counties is 4,383 euros.

Irene Gunning, chief executive officer of Early Childhood Ireland, explained the reasons behind the high costs, noting: "The natural way for most babies is almost one-to-one ... and we want to emulate that when it comes to care in our centres."

The news comes as Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister Leo Varadker has warned that if the cost of childcare exceeds their earnings, working mums may be forced to leave their jobs.

Mr Varadker's comments came in response to the Irish Independent recently revealing that new guidelines from the Insolvency Service of Ireland could mean that holidays and second cars are no longer deemed essential spending.

Written by Donal Walsh

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